We’re living in a fast rhythm, running from one place to another, in over our heads in to-do lists, stressed by deadlines and setting up alarm clocks ever earlier in the morning. Under these circumstance, planning for a vacation can turn out to be a pain. Fortunately for you, we have 5 Summer staycation quick ideas that will help you unwind. None of these require plane tickets or booking expensive hotel rooms and you can try them out even today, on your way home from work, or the next time you’re home alone and have some spare time on your hands.
1. Head over to the green areas
You might have noticed some green areas on Google Maps, but if you’re like the rest of us, stuck in your routine, with no holiday in sight for the next year, our suggestion is to find the closest park to your home or office and visit it as often as possible. You’ll be amazed at what you can find just around the corner from your block: a serene pond, old trees or even freshly mown grass can be amazing stress relievers. And if you’re feeling even more adventurous, go ahead and pop your roller blades on your feet and just let the wind brush through your hair.
2. Log off
It’s become an unhealthy reflex to continuously check our phones. We turn to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram almost compulsively to like, re-twit and comment on pictures. With this in mind, we have an experiment for you on the weekends: switch your phone on airplane mode and go about your day without logging in any social media platform. Just take time off to pamper yourself and don’t even think about adding a check-in on Facebook or tagging the friends you’re hanging out with. You’ll reset your reflexes and discover you can go even longer periods of time without gliding your fingers on shiny screens.
3. Homemade remedies
Like we’ve said, you don’t have to look too far for simple ways to make yourself feel better and more relaxed. How about turning your bathroom into a SPA room? You can do this for yourself or your spouse in a matter of minutes, using things you already have laying around your house. Simply quickly light some scented candles, draw a bubble bath, take out that foot massage device you almost never use, spend time on your manicure and pedicure and google a few DIY face masks you can make with stuff you already have in your fridge. This is what we call considerate splurging.
4. Cha cha cha!
If you’re already applying the tips and tricks we suggested above, here’s something new for you to try. Throw a thematic party for you and your friends, coworkers or family members. What does this imply? Hand crafting some decorations, if that’s your cup of tea, or playing it safer and buying everything ahead of time. Make everything more interesting by asking your friends to wear costumes or to come up with game ideas. And if you’re a fan of Japanese movies, host a Saturday night Japanese thrillers marathon. Good at dancing? Bust out your sequin dress and dancing shoes for an authentic cha-cha performance.
5. Step out of your comfort zone
Oh, the dreaded routine of going to work and coming back home, with the slight variation of swinging by the grocery shop! We’ve all been there at some point. One way to overcome it quicker is to start experimenting new stuff. Remember that brochure you received about dance classes, cooking lessons or painting courses? Or maybe you’d like to give acting a try and pick up some tricks about public speaking to boost your confidence? Don’t sacrifice your leisure time in favor of your job and don’t let routine pin you down forever.
